Lauren Weber, a reporter with The Wall Street Journal, will be the visiting Business Writer in Residence (BWIR) at the Wisconsin School of Business from March 11 to March 14.
Based out of New York, Weber covers work and the workplace for WSJ’s corporate bureau. An award-winning writer, Weber has been a reporter at Reuters and Newsday, and is the author of the 2009 book, In Cheap We Trust: The Story of a Misunderstood American Virtue, an exploration of American frugality.
Since its inception in 1989, WSB’s BWIR program has brought in journalists of national stature to meet with the Business Badger community, share expertise, and connect with renowned faculty on the latest research and educational trends. Past business writers have hailed from publications such as USA Today, Forbes, Marketplace Morning Report, NPR, and The Washington Post. BWIR is part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s longstanding Journalist in Residence Program.
BWIR Program of Events
The week’s schedule includes three panels on the future of business, featuring Weber in conversation with WSB faculty and distinguished alumni in industry. The forums will be held at Grainger Hall and are open to students, faculty, and staff.
Throughout her visit, Weber will be embedded at WSB, connecting and collaborating with the campus community. Her itinerary includes meeting individually with WSB faculty, visiting first-year business students at campus’ Business Connect Learning Community, a Q&A with WSB undergraduate student leaders, a breakfast presentation with the school’s MBA and master’s students, and knowledge exchanges with staff and faculty from divisions such as Career Forward. Weber will also meet with the Introduction to Reporting class at UW–Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Panel Schedule
Open to students, faculty, and staff, these events include a roundtable discussion followed by an audience Q&A.
1310 Grainger Hall (The Plenary)
The Future of Society: Reimagining Corporate Responsibility in a Rapidly Changing World
As the line between business and societal challenges continues to blur, consumers and communities demand innovative, lasting solutions. Weber and a roundtable of boundary-pushing WSB faculty will delve into creative ways business leaders can be at the vanguard of tackling systemic issues including housing justice, sustainability, and equality.
Panelists:
- Fabio Gaertner, professor of accounting and information systems
- Erik Mayer, assistant professor of finance
- Ann Terlaak, associate professor of management and human resources
- Christopher Timmins, professor of real estate and urban land economics
4151 Grainger Hall (Director’s Room)
The Future of Leadership: Building Agile, Engaged Teams Through Inclusive Practices
Inclusive leadership isn’t just a trendy phrase—it’s a crucial capability that holds the power to unleash untapped potential and ignite groundbreaking creativity. Weber, joined by faculty and WSB External Advisory Board member, Kurt Kober, will explore the ever-evolving landscape of essential skills and mindsets tomorrow’s business leaders must cultivate to foster vibrant, engaged teams. Lunch will be provided.
Panelists:
- Kurt Kober, general manager of apparel and a vice president of commercial strategy and planning, The Honest Company
- Jirs Meuris, assistant professor of management and human resources
- Chia-Jung Tsay, associate professor of management and human resources
2520 Grainger Hall
The Future of Work: How Technological and Social Disruption Impact the Workplace and Workforce
As AI influences career trajectories and phenomena such as “quiet quitting” capture the attention of millions, professional success may look and feel a bit different for entry-level workers. Weber and WSB faculty will explore the emerging technologies, evolving trends, and pivotal questions shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Panelists:
- Barry Gerhart, professor of management and human resources
- Katie Krueger, senior lecturer of marketing
- Enno Siemsen, professor of operations and information management